A dramatic hair change doesn't always require a major cut or bold color. Sure, chopping six inches off your length is bound to reinvent your routine, but if you're already rocking a layered bob, why not make a subtle change with a new style like the textured bob? It's equal parts chic, care-free, and above all, low-maintenance *cheers to lazy girl styling*.
But what actually makes a bob textured, and how do you style it so it looks great without a team of professionals on speed dial? To find out, we spoke to a seasoned hairstylist, Chlöe Swift, who breaks down everything there is to know—from getting the right cut to mastering the art of low-effort styling.
Ahead, discover ten textured bob haircut ideas and how to make them work for you.
What is a textured bob?
Unlike an intricate cut, a textured bob is all about making use of the short lengths you already have, but switching up its style. So, in other words, most people with an existing bob can make theirs textured—it's now more about your hair type and the products you use. So, it's basically enhancing the cut you already have, but making use of your angles and dimension, and accentuating your natural hair.
"A textured bob is a chin-to-shoulder-length haircut filled with layers and shape," explains Swift. "It creates that textured, laid-back look and feel that many people love—it’s short enough to seem fresh, but styled enough to appear deliberate."
Who is a textured bob best suited for?
When asked who can wear a textured bob, Swift says, "A textured bob is really workable for a lot of people. You’ll love it if you don’t want lots of length to battle with and prefer an easy, breezy, relaxed look to your hair. It’s great for anyone who wants a style that feels modern but not too done."
Hair type, however, does play a role in how well the style works. "A textured bob works amazingly well on wavy and curly hair types because you can embrace your natural hair and wave or curl pattern with minimal styling, just a bit of enhancement here and there," she explains. "Naturally straight hair can also rock a textured bob, but it does require more styling—think blow-drying with a root lifting spray and using heat to create a loose wave or bend for shape."
If you have coily or very textured hair, Swift recommends avoiding this style. "There’s often too much daily styling involved, which can be hard to maintain," she says. "Instead, I’d recommend opting for a sleeker bob without layers or texture—something you can silk press or chemically smooth for easier upkeep.”
Face shape is another factor to consider when it comes to the textured bob. "The length of your textured bob should really depend on your face shape," says Swift. "For heart and diamond-shaped faces, you can definitely go shorter to show off your jawline. But if you have a round or square face, I’d keep the length a little longer and closer to the collarbones.
Swift says it "helps soften the look and draw attention away from the jawline, since cutting right to the jaw can exaggerate roundness or sharp angles. Oval faces? Lucky you—you can pull off pretty much any bob length or style!"
How to style a textured bob
As for upkeep, Swift assures us that a textured bob isn’t high maintenance at all. Phew! "Especially for naturally wavy hair types, a textured bob is actually super low maintenance," she says. "You just need the right products and a little bit of know-how." So no trims or cuts necessary to get a new look!
Her go-to styling tips? "Apply products, then let your hair air dry or use a diffuser."
Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion
VERB Volume Dry Texture Spray
Ultimately, Swift says the magic of a textured bob lies in its simplicity. "The beauty of a textured bob is that it looks super easy, effortless, and chic," she says.
Textured bob inspo
Meet the expert:
Chlöe Swift is a London-based hair stylist and content creator known for her hair tutorials and styling content.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
